Rocky Mountain High
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 | | Richard and Shane in Colorado |
In November, Richard débuted with Opera Colorado as Rodolfo in La Bohème. During his stay in Denver , he got to spend some quality time with younger son Shane.
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Bizet in Beijing
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 | As Don José with Kirsten Chavez
Photo: Orlando Philharmonic
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May 2010: Beijing ,China.
This production of Carmen, directed by the internationally acclaimed Francesca Zambello, featured a chorus of one hundred Chinese singers,thirty five children, and principal singers from five different countries. Richard,singing the role of Don José, the officer done in by Carmen ( Kirsten Chavez), played before enthusiastic crowds at the stunning National Center for the Performing Arts.
Richard and Ms. Chavez had sung these roles earlier in the year in a concert version with the Orlando Philharmonic.
Together, on stage, they made the sparks fly.
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Dear Friends and Family,
It's been another rewarding year both professionally and personally. I have enjoyed meeting new colleagues and renewing friendships with others. My schedule allowed me a rare opportunity to spend the summer with my family doing the things that we love.
One of my favorite gigs this year was singing (for the seventh year in a row) The Star Spangled Banner and,this year,
O Canada at Camden Yards for the Baltimore Orioles Home Opener against the Toronto Blue Jays .It was a real thrill to be down there on the field with Oriole greats Brooks Robinson and Boog Powell who were throwing out the first piitch.
I appreciate your continued support and good wishes. It means a lot to me.
I would like to wish all of you the very best for a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
Sincerely,
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 | Richard with Inna Dukach in the Café Momus
Photo:Matthew Staver
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Opera Colorado "Like fine coffee and
rich cream"
Opera Colorado presented six sold-out performances of Puccini's perennially popular La Bohème with Richard as the poet Rodolfo, a favorite role,and Inna Dukach as Mimi.The production was broadcast world- wide on the Internet by Colorado Public Radio. The Colorado Examiner
said that Richard's voice and that of Dukach "blended together like fine coffee and rich cream, leaving the audience spellbound, eager for them to
sing another duet." Others cited his obvious affinity for the music of this opera saying that he "delivered some beautiful moments,capitalizing on Puccini's swelling lines."
(Denver Post)
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Awards/Accomplishments/News
This year Richard was nominated for a prestigious Betty Award for Best Musical Performance for his role as Chevalier des Grieux in Manon with Vancouver Opera .This highly charged romantic French opera garnered high praise from the critics who cited Richard's outstanding French vocal style and his aria En Fermant les Yeux as a highlight of the production.
On the home front, Richard was inducted into the Frederick County ( Maryland) Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the Arts. His hometown of Thurmont, Maryland is duly proud of their native son.
Richard has also been appointed as a Board Member at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia where he received his post-graduate opera training.
Ever the athlete who enjoys a challenge,Richard rode two 100 mile rides on his bike, one of which was to raise money for his cousin who has cancer.
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Next Engagements
On the Go Again Richard's next engagement will take him to the Sydney Opera House in Australia to sing Don José in Carmen which is rapidly becoming a signature role for him. Performances begin January 15th. In February, Richard will return to the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing as Alfredo in La Traviata. This will be followed by a role debut as Turridu in Cavalleria Rusticana for Opera Hamilton, Ontario. The Saint Louis Symphony will be next as Tenor Soloist in Carmina Burana followed by Carmen, Act IV with Denyce Graves and conductor Lorin Maazel In July,Richard will finish the season with a concert From Puccini to Porter at the Luhrs Center at Shiphensburg University in Shippensburg, PA Perfornance dates and venues are listed on Richard's website.
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